Braden Holtby is having his worst NHL season statistically with a .896 save percentage and 3.11 GAA, but during Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings, he seemed determined to turn things around.
Holtby was slated to start Tuesday's game after back-to-back starts from rookie goaltender Ilya Samsonov. The young goalie left the Capitals' morning skate earlier that day with a head injury he sustained from a high shot by Alex Ovechkin. Samsonov's consecutive starts had put pressure on Holtby, signaling that Samsonov may be a threat for the team's lead goalie in head coach Todd Reirden’s mind.
Despite all of this, Holtby was feeling the support from the fans. The crowd began chanting “Holtby” following some big saves during the second period of Tuesday night’s game.
Holtby was able to fend off a flurry of shots from the Kings throughout the game, helping lead the Capitals to a 4-2 win on Tuesday.
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